Franklin Road Academy's newest addition comes with plenty of gadgets and gizmos for a science education.

And they won't be limited to only students enrolled at the private school.

Starting this summer, Franklin Road Academy will open up its new Innovation Lab, a 2,000-square-foot space dedicated to innovation and experiential learning, to a number of Nashville schools. The lab was unveiled Thursday during a ceremony at the school.

"The fact that our MNPS students are going to be able to come here for summer camps--what a gift," said Mayor Megan Barry, who helped dedicate the science lab. "It's a timely and its a much-needed partnership for Metro, because we are focused on reforming our middle schools right now to ensure they have the STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art and math) disciplines ... as a city we have to connect our technology students so they graduate with industry certifications and can go onto college and be successful. "

The lab is outfitted with items that include a robotics arena, two 3D printers, a laser cutter and a 3D carver. Its opening is meant to help foster student interest in science that is becoming increasingly popular at the schools.

The private school also wants to help foster that learning in Metro Nashville Public Schools with several schools participating in the summer program initiative.

The school's administrators said they hope the Metro Schools partnership between teachers and students will help share intellectual curiosity and a desire to use new technology as a means to solve challenging problems.

"We are really excited with the fact that we are partnering with schools in the community and we are asking our students to think outward into the community ... it's a great opportunity to build a collective educational opportunity for everyone," said Sean Casey, Franklin Road Academy's head of schools.

The partnership means Franklin Road Academy students will also get a chance to share their knowledge. Student Tennent Grace Smith will serve as a student-teacher during the summer program.